LVN in ER?

[TruHeartOfaNurse]

Hello everyone,

I was just wondering if their was any LVN's that work in the ER department. And if they do, what qualifications do they look for in hiring nurses in that department? I'm a new grad and always dreamed of working in the ER department. Do they really hire new grads in the ER, or do they seek other nurses that already have experience. I heard that you need atleast one year of Med Surg. experience to work in ER. I know that the ER is a fast paced area and you have to quickly act on your feet, would it be a good idea to start off in that department for a new grad like myself? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

The answer to your question depends on which geographical area you're located. I can very safely conjecture you're located either in CA or TX due to your use of the title 'LVN,' instead of the more common 'LPN.' Many emergency departments across the country stopped hiring LVNs a long time ago, so you'll need to research the job market in your area. Good luck to you!

[Fiona59]

A friend works in Emerg. as an LPN. Experience was a definite asset he said. That and the fact that he had great references, is a 6fter, fast on his feet, and just a great guy.

From what he's said, it's not the place for a new grad. You need good skills, good time and people management skills, and a tough hide.

[ohmeowzer RN, RN]

LPN's are not hired in the ER's where i live. it's a shame because they arn't hiring LPN's at all. i am a RN and have been at my hospital for 4 years and they have somehow phased out all the LPN's but 2 and they are on the med/surg floor. i heard one of the managers say they weren't hiring LPN's anymore.

[labvampire]

i work in the er and i am an lpn. i work in a smaller hospital. the big hospital's in peoria don't hire lpn's but they will make you a patient tech 2. i don't want to be called a patient tech 2, because you can't pass meds, do treatments, etc. you have to have a backbone, be able to react in a code blue situation, chart while the doctor is yelling out medication and test orders, triage patients when they come in, handle psych patients, infuriated family members and keep your sanity! i love it! if you love instability, chaos and mayhem, the er is for you! if you work with outstanding and professional rn's like i do who will show you anything, you have it made. good luck in your search.

[hospitalstaph]

Our ED does not use LPNs as LPNs, they are used as techs. So they do VS, linen changes, blood draws, etc. We only have one and there is another one on the med/surg floor, but she was allowed to stay after they stopped hiring LPNs for any department.

I think you may have better luck getting into an ED by checking out a smaller hospital. If you so desired, they may even pay for you to get your RN.

Hope this helps:)

[linzz]

There are some hospitals in Ontario, Canada that are starting to use LPN's in the ER dept. I must echo Fiona59's comments and say that it is not a place for a new LPN grad and in some cases even a new RN grad. Also, here in Ontario, outside of Toronto, there are very few psych beds so you get lots of tough psych cases. Personally I would never go there as a new grad as I would not feel comfortable without some assessment experience. JMO.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

In my side of the world, they do have LPNs working in the ER. My hospital supervisor offered the opportunity for me to do it per diem after working some med-surg per diem first. I am not sure of what they do in particular, but, they are utilized. Try and see what they are offering in your area.

[Lexxie, LPN]

I know one of the local hospitals here hires LPNs for the ER... but they aren't involved with any type of trauma. Guess you'd say it's like an Urgent Care/Clinic type setting

[vivibonita]

Some hospitals here (CA) do hire LVNs in the ER, but that's very rare. They can participate in trauma but it is very limited. They work under the supervision of the RN and aren't allowed to administer certain medications. So... it is possible, it is a good learning experience but the scope of practice is very limited and in most occassions you are very dependent on the RN you are working with.

[JaredCNA, CNA]

Let me echo TheCommuter and say that I think it depends on where you are geographically located. I'm also in TX, so I know that you either live in TX or Cali based on 'LVN.'

I know that the hospital where I work has made a decision not to hire any LVNs for the ED, but all of the ones currently working there are allowed to stay. However, the Level II trauma center across town uses them quite frequently, even when they get a trauma (which is odd, because we're a level IV.)

I also agree that experience is a plus simply because I've been floated down there as a CNA and I see know way that a new grad, RN or LVN, wouldn't be totally lost. They seem to deal with a vast array of situations.

I'd get a year of med/surg, then look at the ED's of small rural hospitals. Chances are, they would probably use an LVN in the ER. Get some experience there. This is my plan, as it looks like I might go to LVN school since the waiting list is so long...and I too have always dreamed of working the ER.